Trigger Point Injections: A Solution for Chronic Muscle Pain

What Are Trigger Points? Trigger points are small, tight areas within a muscle that can cause pain and discomfort. These knots often form due to muscle overuse, stress, or injury and can radiate pain to other areas of the body, contributing to conditions such as tension headaches or back pain.

What Are Trigger Point Injections? Trigger point injections involve injecting a small amount of anesthetic, saline, or corticosteroid into the painful muscle knot. This injection helps relax the muscle, reduce pain, and promote healing.

How the Procedure Works:

1. Evaluation: The doctor will first locate the trigger point through palpation and assess its severity.
2. Injection: A fine needle is inserted directly into the trigger point, delivering the medication.
3. Relief: Most patients experience immediate or gradual relief following the injection.

Benefits of Trigger Point Injections:

• Immediate Pain Relief: Many patients notice pain reduction right after the injection.
• Non-Surgical Option: TPIs offer a minimally invasive alternative for pain management.
• Improved Mobility: Relaxed muscles can lead to better range of motion and ease in daily activities.

Who Can Benefit from TPIs? Trigger point injections are suitable for individuals who suffer from:

• Chronic tension headaches.
• Myofascial pain syndrome.
• Muscle pain linked to conditions like fibromyalgia.
• Muscle pain that does not improve with other treatments like physical therapy.

What to Expect After the Procedure: After the injection, patients may feel slight soreness at the injection site, which typically resolves within a day or two. Most people can resume their normal activities shortly after the procedure. For optimal results, combining TPIs with physical therapy and stretching exercises is often recommended.

Potential Risks and Considerations: Although trigger point injections are generally safe, some potential risks include:

• Temporary pain at the injection site.
• Minor bleeding or bruising.
• Rarely, an allergic reaction to the anesthetic or medication.

Patients should discuss their medical history and any allergies with their healthcare provider before undergoing the procedure.

Conclusion: Trigger point injections offer a promising solution for individuals dealing with chronic muscle pain. By targeting the source of pain, these injections can provide significant relief, improve mobility, and enhance the quality of life. For those suffering from persistent muscle pain, consulting with an orthopedic specialist or pain management physician can determine if TPIs are the right treatment option.

Meet Dr. Jahnna Levy, DO

Dr. Jahnna Levy practices physical medicine and rehabilitation at Garden State Pain & Orthopedics, where her expertise contributes a vital component to each person’s treatment and recovery. As an osteopathic physiatrist, she believes in a multifaceted and holistic approach to pain management. She treats each person as an individual, formulating a systematic treatment plan to restore function, reduce pain, and improve their quality of life when they receive care at one of four office locations: Edison, Clifton, Hazlet, and Jersey City, New Jersey. 

Dr. Levy attended medical school at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York City. During this time, she became proficient in musculoskeletal medicine and co-founded the Osteopathic Orthopedic Organization. Upon graduation, Dr. Levy completed her internship at North Shore-LIJ Plainview Hospital and her residency in physiatry at the prestigious Rusk Institute at New York University Hospital in New York City. During her residency, Dr. Levy received extensive training at the Hospital for Joint Disease and was elected Chief Resident at both the Manhattan Veterans Affairs Hospital and Bellevue Hospital. During her fellowship, Dr. Levy was trained to perform a variety of nonsurgical orthopedic procedures and fluoroscopically-guided injections for neck, back, and joint pain. She’s also trained in spinal cord stimulator placement, EMGs, diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound, and percutaneous tenotomy for tendon injuries. Additionally, she received training in medical acupuncture and migraine management. 

Dr. Levy is board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation and fellowship trained in interventional pain management and sports medicine. She’s an active member of the North American Neuromodulation Society, American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians, and American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Dr. Levy is a contributing author on Spine-health.com where she has written patient education content about spinal conditions and treatments. Her most recent pieces include: Common Causes of Back Pain and Neck Pain When she’s not working with patients, Dr. Levy enjoys dancing, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends. If you are experiencing back pain, neck pain, nerve, pain, or any vein conditions you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Levy in West Orange, Clifton, Jersey City, or Edison by selecting the “Book Now” button.